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"Right now, all around you, thousands of insects are doing strange and wonderful things..." ~ from Steve Voakes' Insect Detective
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New and Recently Released!
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| Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle; illustrated by Rafael López In 1930s Cuba, a young girl is bursting with rhythm. She plays conga drums, bongó drums, and "big, round, silvery, moon-bright timbales." Despite her talent, the girl is banned from performing by her father, who says drums are only for boys. Yet she keeps practicing (and keeps dreaming) until she finally gets the chance she longs for. Based on the life of Chinese-African-Cuban drummer Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, Drum Dream Girl's lively, poetic text is layered over surreal illustrations that practically glow with tropical color. For another picture book about a boundary-breaking Cuban musician, try Monica Brown's My Name Is Celia/Me llamo Celia, which also features art by award-winning illustrator Rafael López. |
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| Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Tom LichtenheldThis charming read-aloud begins on a note of relatable melancholy: "Stick. Stone. Lonely. Alone." Once our isolated characters finally meet, however, the mood lightens as they quickly become BFFs, making giggle-worthy puns (Stone marvels to upright Stick, "Gee, you stuck up for me!") and rescuing one another from scary storms and bullying pinecones. Just as skinny Stick and round Stone together form "a perfect 10," this combination of easy-to-read rhymes and endearingly expressive illustrations results in "off-the-charts adorability" (Booklist). Children who enjoy this minimal yet irresistible friendship fable may also like Doreen Cronin's Smick! |
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| Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Elizabeth Hammill, editorEven by the numbers, Over the Hills and Far Away is impressive: it boasts 150 nursery rhymes from 23 cultures around the world, illustrated by 76 different artists, including big names such as Eric Carle, Jon Klassen, Jerry Pinkney, Lucy Cousins, and Mo Willems. Not only is this collection inclusive and attractive, it's also cleverly arranged, so that complementary rhymes (such as Peter Piper and Betty Botter) are paired and different versions of similar rhymes (four variations on Little Miss Muffet, for instance) are grouped together. Just like nursery rhymes themselves, this lavish and versatile volume has broad, enduring appeal. |
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| Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen; illustrated by Matt PhelanYou're supposed to let your monster come to you, but Marilyn is getting tired of waiting. All the other kids she knows have already been chosen by their monster buddies (a cute but motley crew of creatures equipped with wings, fuzz, antennae, or tentacles) -- when will it be Marilyn's turn? As her disappointment turns to frustration, Marilyn decides to take matters into her own hands. Winsome watercolor illustrations add to the sweetness and depth of this whimsical story about friendship and determination. Check out Dan Santat's Beekle (winner of the 2015 Caldecott Award) for a similar story from the perspective of an imaginary friend. |
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| My Pen by Christopher MyersLike many children, the fedora-wearing hero of this book sometimes feels small. "But then," he says, "I remember I have my pen." In beautifully detailed black-and-white drawings, the child demonstrates the power of his pen to conjure up anything he can imagine: he can ride a T-Rex, sail in a newspaper boat, tap-dance in the sky, and express both his worry and his love. Unusual, inventive, and enchanting, My Pen invites young readers to "let those worlds inside your pen out!" Pair My Pen with any of Ed Emberley's classic drawing books and watch the creativity flow! |
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| Big Bug by Henry ColeHow big is a big bug? It's all a matter of perspective. The ladybug at the beginning of this book looks absolutely HUGE…until our view pulls back to reveal the same ladybug, now looking tiny as it rests on a big leaf! And guess what happens when our view of the leaf is altered? Shifting points of view keep this concept book feeling fresh, and the eye-catching illustrations (which range from crisp close-ups to bright landscapes) reward close reading, making Big Bug a great choice for sharing and discussion. To play with perspective even further, pick up Istvan Banyai's Zoom or Anna Kang's You Are (Not) Small. |
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| Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi; illustrated by Brendan WenzelBug-obsessed kids are encouraged to explore their own backyards in this "marvelous encyclopedic look" (Publishers Weekly) at critters that creep, crawl, and fly. Each insect and arachnid is shown up close and described by its distinctive action: "Some bugs STING. Some bugs BITE. Some bugs STINK. And some bugs FIGHT!" Jaunty rhyming text keeps the pages turning right up to the surprise ending, which challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions. Combining fascinating facts with busy collage art, Some Bugs is sure to be a hit with fans of Steve Jenkins' many animal books. |
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| Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen; illustrated by Kevin WaldronOne itty-bitty fly creates a whole lot of drama in this rhyming tale that's sure to "captivate beginning listeners and beginning readers alike" (Horn Book Magazine). As Tiny Little Fly buzzes around Great Big Elephant, the pachyderm's temper is increasingly provoked. Just as the elephant gives a mighty "TRAMP! CRUSH! TRAMP!" and lunges after the noisy pest, Tiny Little Fly zips away. The fly's next victims, Hippo and Tiger, are also too slow, but when all three large animals join forces…we won't spoil the ending, except to say that it takes a four-page foldout to capture all of the muddy mayhem! |
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| Bugs Galore by Peter Stein; illustrated by Bob StaakeCombining playful rhymes (like "Bugs and MORE bugs! Can't ignore bugs. Don't-inhale-them-while-you-snore bugs!") and cartoon artwork that's jam-packed with insects of every shape, size, and color imaginable, Bugs Galore is a bouncy ode to all that creeps and crawls. For a similarly rhythmic (and buggy) read-aloud with vibrant illustrations, check out Denise Fleming's Beetle Bop; or, if you're looking for a sillier story with a bug hero, try Chris Monroe's Bug on a Bike. |
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| Insect Detective by Steve Voake; illustrated by Charlotte VoakeBudding entomologists will be eager to try the techniques in this introduction to insects. Covering an array of commonly-found bugs such as ants, caterpillars, beetles, dragonflies, earwigs, and bees, author Steve Voakes presents intriguing facts about each (such as how ants communicate via antennae) and advice on how to observe them (such as burying a jar in the ground and later checking it for beetles). Throw in the large, attention-grabbing illustrations, and you've got one enticing read! Oh, and don't worry -- young scientists are cautioned to observe carefully, and to let all insects go after studying them. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Plymouth Public Library at
574-936-2324, 201 N. Center St, Plymouth, IN 46563
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